Manchester City have beaten off Liverpool and Chelsea to sign 13-year-old Finley Burns from Southend United in a deal worth up to £175,000.
The talented defender was free to leave the club at the end of the season and had drawn attention from several top flight academies after being promoted to Southend's U16 side.
City have invested heavily in their youth set-up and have been working hard to recruit the best young players at home and abroad. Though the fee is high for a 13-year-old it will be paid in stages best on Burns's development and is a reflection of what Premier League clubs are now willing to pay to sign the best talent.